We arrived today at our respective shelters and immediately began the interview process. We talked to the clients in a more formal, one on one setting today. Each team had their own method of approaching the interview process. Essentially, we were supposed to deliver a set of photos documenting the clients’ personal space as well as audio recordings of the interview. The questions we wanted to ask were how did they become homeless, what was their opinion of HAC, and what was their idea of personal space, both what they have right now in the shelter as well as what their idea image of personal space would be like. We gave the clients disposable cameras so they could take pictures themselves, and we also went around with digital cameras as the clients showed us their personal space.
The interview process went pretty smoothly for most of the clients. Like yesterday, they were very open to sharing their experiences and ideas. Unlike yesterday, however, the team was more confident in speaking up and asking the interview questions. What we found through the interviews was that homeless, for the most part, is simply an unfortunate byproduct of the way society and luck functions. None of the clients’ had intended to be homeless. Most have had families and homes at one point in their life, and even though drugs and other addictions may be a contributing factor in some clients’ lives, there were some clients who has successfully raised families and it was simple relationship disruptions like divorce or plans falling through that made them ended up on the streets.
We not only sympathized with the clients, the team was at times outraged and conflicted about the unpredictable courses life can take as well as the way people can treat each other so cruelly. We really felt the pain that they felt and at the same time, realized that whatever we were feeling, it was only a fraction of what the clients felt themselves because we couldn’t possibly really imagine what they’ve gone through. We were impressed at their courage and perseverance in really trying to better their lives and obtain a home that they can call their own and keep. For me, I was really surprised at the amount of bravery that some clients exhibited simply by seeking help in homeless shelters. For these individuals, they recognize that being homeless means that you are a outcast in society, and seeking help in a homeless shelter simply makes the individual admit that they are homeless. For me, this process of admitting that they have this problem (not because they were at fault), inflicts pain on their pride that I would not think I could withstand.
Later in the afternoon, once we have gotten all the materials, we started sorting what materials we have and started to organize the materials. Tomorrow, we will have to go through all of the client interviews, sort through all the photos, select them, and come up with a method of organizing and producing our exhibit. Our work will for the past two days with the clients will really show through in the effort that we put into creating the photography exhibit.
Alternative Spring Breaks 